Diesel
General Information about Diesel
The hexadecimal color code #0A0402, commonly referred to as Diesel, represents a very dark shade of brown. It is composed of 3.92% red, 1.57% green, and 0.78% blue. In the RGB color space, it is characterized by minimal intensity across all three primary color channels, resulting in its deep, subdued appearance. This color evokes feelings of warmth, earthiness, and sophistication, often associated with natural materials like leather and wood. Its low brightness makes it suitable for creating subtle accents and providing depth in both digital and physical designs. Diesel can be used to create a subtle color palette or combined with light colors for great contrast.
The color #0A0402, also known as Diesel, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely dark nature. Its low luminance results in very poor contrast against almost any background color, especially white or light shades. This can make text or graphical elements using this color nearly impossible to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) require a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability. Diesel fails to meet these standards in virtually all common use cases. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid using this color for essential visual information or interactive elements without implementing careful and substantial contrast adjustments. If you intend to use it, consider using a text with a minimum size of 18pt bold or 24pt, and combine it with a very light color like white or a light yellow.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade, #1A1412, provides a marginal improvement in contrast while maintaining a similar dark aesthetic. This can be used as an alternative when a slightly increased visibility is required.
Using #2A2422 offers a bit more visibility, making it suitable for subtle backgrounds where a very dark color is needed without sacrificing too much readability.
If you want a more visible, but similar dark tone, use a dark-grey color, such as #3A3432.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Diesel (#0A0402) can be applied sparingly as a background accent for sections where subtlety is paramount. For example, it can define the footer area of a website or highlight a specific call-to-action button, as long as sufficient contrast with text is guaranteed. Furthermore, it can be used in data visualization for dark themed charts or graphs, where a dark palette is required. However, ensure enough readability by using white or very light grey text for all elements. The key is to use this color judiciously and prioritize accessibility above all else.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Diesel can serve as a sophisticated and grounding color for accent walls or furniture pieces, such as a leather couch or a wooden table. Its deep hue adds depth and warmth to a room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It pairs well with lighter, neutral tones like beige or cream, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. This provides a rich, masculine ambiance without being overpowering. Consider also using metallic or golden colored decoration elements for contrast.
Fashion Staple
In fashion, Diesel can be incorporated into clothing items like leather jackets, dark denim jeans, or knitwear, offering a versatile and timeless appeal. Its neutral undertones allow it to be easily paired with a wide range of colors and styles, from casual to more formal looks. This makes it a popular choice for everyday wear, offering both comfort and sophistication. Accessorize with silver or gunmetal jewelry to add a touch of edge and modernity, or combine it with brighter colors for a bolder statement.